Port of Vancouver expansion referred to federal Major Projects Office for faster permitting
The feds are accelerating approval for the port to boost container capacity by 50 percent over the next decade, including the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project.
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The federal government has referred the Port of Vancouver's expansion plans to the Major Projects Office to accelerate permitting and assist in construction, a move that signals Ottawa's commitment to strengthening global trade through Canada's Pacific corridor.
The Port of Vancouver is set to increase its container capacity by 50 percent over the next decade. The centerpiece is the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 (RBT2) project—a proposed three-berth container terminal that would enable $100 billion of new container trade capacity annually, contribute over $3 billion to Canada's GDP per year, and support the creation of 17,000 ongoing jobs across the supply chain during operations.
RBT2 completed a federal impact assessment in 2023, receiving key environmental approvals and is awaiting final permits. Listing as a project of national interest under the Building Canada Act will provide regulatory certainty and a single regulatory window under the Minister of the One Canadian Economy.
The Gateway Strategy also encompasses three other pillars: land use and infrastructure for bulk terminals (the Port hosts 29 major marine terminals handling grain, potash, petroleum products, and canola oil—dry and liquid bulk account for roughly 70 percent of total Port tonnage); rail infrastructure optimization and expansion to diversify trade and increase capacity; and environmental protections, including over $258 million over five years to renew and enhance funding for whale and habitat protection along B.C.'s coast.
The facts
By how much will the Port of Vancouver increase container capacity?
The Port of Vancouver is set to increase its container capacity by 50 percent over the next decade.
What is the Roberts Bank Terminal 2 project?
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 is a proposed three-berth container terminal at the Port of Vancouver that would enable $100 billion of new container trade capacity annually and support the creation of 17,000 ongoing jobs across the supply chain during operations.
When did Roberts Bank Terminal 2 complete its federal impact assessment?
Roberts Bank Terminal 2 completed its federal impact assessment in 2023 and received key environmental approvals.
How much is allocated for whale and habitat protection along B.C.'s coast?
Over $258 million is allocated over five years to renew and enhance funding for whale and habitat protection along B.C.'s coast.
